Chelsea Tranfer News: Mourinho Enters Race For Barcelona's Thiago Alcantara
ESPN, Chelsea have joined Premier League Champions Manchester United in the race to sign Barcelona's young Spaniard sensation, Thiago Alcantara. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has already been linked with a move to Old Trafford but Chelsea hope to hijack any potential deal to Manchester and instead bring the player to Stamford Bridge. Thiago is apparently available for just 18 million due to his current release clause was activated after appearing in less than 60% of the La Liga Champions' games last season, although that is set to rise to 90 million come the end of July, suggesting that any club intending on bidding for the Spanish youngster would likely have to complete the deal in the next few weeks. Thiago scored a first-half hat-trick in the final of the Under-21 European Championship, which Spain were named the victors in 4-2 win over Italys U21 team. He played in 27 La Liga games last season for the Spanish champions but with Neymar being brought into the squad, Thiago looks to be heading away from the Nou Camp. With excitement high in the English media, current Manchester United player David De Gea wrote Thiago a message on the match ball last night which is believed to be translated as saying see you in Manchester.